FLY

The play is about men & women who rose to the occasion when their country needed them; about soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

When our country was divided by race, the Tuskegee Airmen were racing to save the day for many soldiers of all colors. What a great American story. Everybody loves a hero.

How does tapdancing play into the show’s story?

Movement, rhythm and timing has always been part of military life (individually and corporately). The same elements govern tap dancing: sounds like a match made in heaven to me. Adding the articulation of African American culture creates a perfect storytelling tool; words become movement, and movement become words. An endless vocabulary of rhythm, steps and sound. Wow, words in motion.

How will this story appeal to all ages?

We have history for the facts seeker, adventure for the thrill seekers, and airplanes for the kid in all of us who wants to FLY. Oh yeah, there's singing and dancing too. We have something for everybody. It’s just a wonderful American story. Come, and fasten your seat belt.

Do you have a scene you’re most excited about in the show?

Yes, when the pilots go into battle. The mixing of multimedia and the pure organic energy of the actors, both telling the same story sharing the lead and shining light on the heroes of American history. It doesn't get any better than that.

Why is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen relevant today?

We all have hurdles in our lives that we must overcome. What a great feeling to look over the shoulder of American history and see such a fine example of perseverance. More than pilots in the armed forces, more than the color of their skin, more than the injustice of a nation it's about the most powerful weapon we have on the planet... THE HUMAN SPIRIT. Imagine what we can accomplish when we respect and trust one another.

Does the training regimen in Fly resonate with you as an artist?

Yes, having to have a major sense of discipline, I definitely can relate. Having to study before and after work, to always be aware of your surroundings, learning to state the problem but functioning in the solution artist and airmen share a lot of similarities. There's a lot of preparation before they take flight.

How would you describe your directing style?

PHD and a lot of collaboration. P is for purpose- I try to keep a clear picture of what I want on stage. The message of the play, and how do I get all the elements to tell the same story. H is for honesty- being honest to the script, to the characters, to the time period and so on. D is for details- anything in life that you create always has a finishing touch. The details/finishing touch can add a sour face or the wow factor depending on how you finish the details. Now add the element of collaboration with amazing actors and with the best designers on the planet. We're guaranteed to come up with something spectacular.

What artistic choices will you make simulating flight, etc.?

Good question... it's a visual you'll just have to come & see! (smile)

Major support is provided by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs. Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of FCAC. This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency - the National Endowment for the Arts. Show sponsors are listed on our show pages.